World Figure Skating Championships

Last month Greg took me to the Staples center to watch the World Figure Skating Champions Exhibition. This was actually my Valentines day present from him. Most people don't know that I spent many many years as a figure skater myself and had hopes (like every little kid in these types of sports) to go to the Olympics. Obviously, that never happened but my love for the sport hasn't died. So, for Greg to sit through an entire afternoon of skating was truly a gift of love for me...and when all was said and done I think he had a greater appreciation for the sport. It is definitely more impressive in person than t.v.

Oh so Wicked...

Greg's Christmas present to me was taking me to see Wicked at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. We absolutely loved it! It is such a fun show and if you haven't had the chance to see it you must take the opportunity if you get a chance.

Gene Turner- Artist Extraordinaire

Sunday afternoon, Greg and I enjoyed watching a good friend of mine, Gene Turner at an art demo. Gene is the grandfather of one of the gentleman I work with at cotillion and he helps cater refreshments at a few of our local spots. In a passing conversation I learned that he is an artist and actually trained under Norman Rockwell as well as Elmer Tafflinger & Ralph Craig who both studied under the legendary George Bridgeman (for those art enthusiasts out there). He is often invited to different art societies to give demonstrations and invited me to come and watch at a local demo he was giving in La Habra. Gene is 82 years old and yet has such a zest for life, I only hope I'm as active as he is when I reach that age (yes I'm planning on making it, God willing :-) He spent two hours teaching his technique of color pencil over water color as well as sprinkling in the most wonderful stories of his life, from how he found his love for art to stories of serving in World War II. The time just melted away as we watched his painting come to life. The artwork he completed was then auctioned off and I won! Granted, I think I purchased the most amount of raffle tickets so the odds were in my favor. It was nice to stop and pause for the day and enjoy getting lost in art and history and the twinkle of a gentle soul's sweet eyes.

118th Tournament of Roses

Today, Greg and I decided to drive out to Pasadena to check out the amazing floats from the Rose Parade. We've both lived here all our lives and have never done that before! It was a gorgeous day (see tank tops/shorts) and the floats were amazing. So I went a little over board on the pictures. Here's a little history from the program book: "Pasadena's original festival in the late 1800's featured a modest procession of flower covered hourse and buggies followed by an afternoon of public games. The event resembled the "Battle of the Flowers" held in Nice, France. As Pasadena's celebration grew to include more abundant floral displays, the name "Tournament of Roses" was born."